Since the pandemic began in 2020, we’ve seen several new strains of the COVID-19 virus.
The Nigerian Government, in a circular dated December 5, 2024, and signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, expressed concerns about the variant’s growth advantage over other circulating strains, warning of its potential impact on public health.
The new variant is called XEC.
It is a subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, which has spawned multiple descendants since it surfaced in the United States in 2021.
XEC first appeared in Germany in June 2024 before spreading rapidly throughout other parts of Europe.
It has been identified in 29 countries including Australia.
The XEC variant demonstrates increased transmissibility compared to other circulating strains.
There is no evidence that XEC causes different symptoms or more severe disease than other recent strains—although a COVID infection is always a concern for certain people, including those who are older or immunocompromised.
In late November, XEC was responsible for an estimated 38% of COVID infections in the U.S.—making it the second most prevalent strain there (rising from seventh place at the end of September), according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate at the time.
The Nigerian Government has directed chief medical directors and medical directors of tertiary hospitals to activate alert systems, collaborate with stakeholders, enhance monitoring protocols and share timely information.
